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How does Hilton Head Nannies recruit their nanny candidates?
Locating qualified nanny candidates and matching them to quality families is what Hilton Head Nannies is all about. We have the experience to know the pitfalls and how to prevent them. We have extensive recruiting capabilities with resources to recruit qualified people nationwide.
We recruit only loving, highly qualified candidates. Our nannies, baby nurses, and companions are diverse in their experiences, education, background, and age. We only recruit nannies that we would trust with our own children.
What is your screening process?
We recognize that much more than our success as a company is riding on placing the right candidate in your home. The happiness of your family, the health of your children, and the success of the nanny is crucial for a long-term arrangement. Children are healthier and happier when their nannies do not use a revolving door.
We go through an extensive interviewing process with every prospective nanny. We thoroughly check their general employment history, their childcare related employment history, DMV records, criminal records, personal references and health records to insure that they possess the qualities essential to being a good nanny.
Our prospective nannies also answer extensive questions via the application and telephone interviews. We interview their references by telephone as well to ensure that they are legitimate sources of information.
Hilton Head Nannies must have a minimum of a high school diploma or GED. We seek nannies who have a background in childcare, preferably college courses in early education. We have a meticulous qualifying process for our candidates.
Our agency feels that if someone will be working in your home, it is imperative that they be screened. We do not attempt to do all of the screening by ourselves, but have contracted with a private firm to handle all criminal background checks, Identity Reports, Driver's Records and Social Security Verifications. The candidates we represent are screened with a combination of the following services:
o Identity Report: These reports include complete verification of the information provided on an employment application. Key identity information such as name, aliases, current address, social security number, telephone number and previous addresses are verified allowing HHN to make an informed decision about whether or not to continue the screening process of a candidate. An Identity Report can also help identify addresses and counties previously associated to the applicant in the last 7 years.
o Criminal Records Search: HHN performs Criminal Records Searches at county and federal levels in every jurisdiction in the United States. Records are searched for criminal convictions at the felony and misdemeanor levels in each of the counties provided by the candidate and those identified in the Identity Report. Reports include all convictions found on a candidate.
o Sex Offender Registry Database Search: Sex Offender Registry serves as a focal point in providing assistance in the identification of sex offenders. This registry contains information from all states except Vermont.
o Driving Record: HHN provides full access to Driving Records on a statewide basis. Reports are taken from the government agencies such as the Department of Motor Vehicles or the Department of Public Safety.
o Previous Employment Verification: We verify the candidate's past employment as reported on the employment application.
o Previous Employer Reference Checks: We also verify that the candidate has performed in their previous positions. We ask about their punctuality, their quality of work, as well as, their attitude and many other important issues that would determine if the candidate meets the HHN standard.
o Character Reference Checks: We develop a clear picture by checking into the
candidate's character references.
o Education Verification*: If your job requires that an applicant have a certain level of education, HHN can confirm this information directly with the college or university.
o Professional License Verification*: If your job requires a professional license or credential such as medical license, like nursing, or teaching credential, HHN can
confirm this information directly with the issuing agency.
o Drug Screening*
o Blood testing for diseases*: (Hepatitis A&B, TB, etc.)
* These services are available upon request; however they are invoiced to the prospective employer.
Does Hilton Head Nannies place on a temporary basis?
YES! HHN realizes that while families may need permanent placement, they also may need temporary placement. Therefore, HHN does place temporary candidates, including but not limited to Baby Nurses, Infant Specialists, and Relief Nannies. We have additional information for clients that desire this service.
What if I do not require assistance of HHN in finding a nanny, but I still want a peace of mind that comes through background screening?
Once you have selected a candidate through your own resource, HHN will provide an extensive and complete background screening for a fee of $500. Upon request, we will also provide the client with assistance in developing a job description.
What should we look for in a nanny?
Your first objective in looking for a nanny is to find someone who will make the needs of your child the highest priority. You should seek a nanny who has similar beliefs, values, and interests as your family.
Because we go through great lengths to screen our nannies, we are better able to fine a nanny that meets your specific needs.
Our Nannies must:
· Have a genuine love and respect for children
· Be at least 18 years of age.
· Have a high school diploma or GED
· Be willing to relocate*
· Be unmarried without children*
· Be willing to make a commitment of at least one year.**
· Have an excellent driving record
· Have verifiable childcare experience
· Provide a minimum of three childcare references
· Provide a minimum of three personal references
· Be in good general health, with proof of immunizations, and, where required, negative TB test and/or chest x-ray
*Live-in Nannies Only
**Permanent and Live-in Nannies Only
What are the typical duties of a nanny?
The primary responsibility of a nanny is the complete care of their employer's children. No other duty, request, or responsibility should come first.
Typical duties of a nanny include but are not limited to:
· Tending to each child's basic physical needs
· Simple meal planning and preparation
· Laundry and clothing care for children
· Organization of play activities and outings
· Organization of educational activities and projects
· Reading
· Social activities (birthday parties, play groups)
Some nannies are also willing to take on extra responsibilities around the house. These might include:
· Parent's laundry
· Shopping and errands
· Loading/unloading the dishwasher
· Taking out the trash
· Tidying up at the end of the day
· Doing a complete clean of the home once per week
Every nanny's responsibilities are unique and should be negotiated prior to placement.
What hours do nannies typically work?
This, too, is dependant on the needs of the family. Nannies typically work Monday through Friday. While each work agreement is unique, most full-time nannies work 40-60 hours per week. Part-time nannies typically work 15-35 hours per week.
Nannies usually receive 1-2 weeks paid vacation, as well as all or some of the following paid holidays: New Year's Eve, New Years Day, Memorial Day, 4th of July, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, The day after Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day.
What do nannies typically make?
A nanny's salary is dependant on several factors:
· Previous experience
· Education in the field
· The number of children
· The nanny's responsibilities
· The hours nanny is expected to work each week
· The benefit package the family is offering
The beginning salary for nannies just entering the field ranges from $250-$400 for a live-in nanny. More experienced nannies are paid $350-800. Most live-out nannies charge by the hour. Here in the Hilton Head area, live-out nannies average $10-18 per hour.
What benefits do candidates expect?
Some nannies request benefits while others do not. Generally, candidates ask for benefits comparable to what they received in their last (or current) position. While Hilton Head Nannies does not mandate benefits, families should understand that benefits make a position much more marketable to candidates. Below average nannies are numerous, however, the market is much more competitive for highly qualified nannies.
Some benefits your family may want to consider are: 1-2 weeks paid vacation, health insurance or a medical "allowance" (such as $50-200/month), sick/personal days, paid major holidays, mileage reimbursement for work related travel or gas allowance, travel stipends, and relocation expenses (if the candidate has relocated for your position).
What other costs will I incur?
Additional costs you may incur include:
Taxes - Legally a nanny's salary is taxable. Tax policies should be decided between the nanny and the family. Hilton Head Nannies can assist by providing the appropriate forms.
We refer clients with payroll tax questions to HomeWork Solutions, Inc. at 1-800-NANITAX (1-800-626-4829) or www.4nannytaxes.com. The HomeWork Solutions website has a free online tax calculator that is particularly helpful when planning your nanny compensation package.
What fees are charged by Hilton Head Nannies?
We recognize that budgets and constraints are unique to every family. However, we believe that every family deserves to have a professional and safe nanny caring for their children. For that reason, Hilton Head Nannies offers a variety of options for families to choose from.
There is an application fee of $250 for every family who is seeking a part-time or full-time permanent nanny, regardless of what plan they choose. This fee covers our initial expenses of recruiting for your position.
Full-time Placement Options
Plan A (Full-time Nanny Placement): Should you hire a candidate that Hilton Head Nannies referred to you, there is a one-time placement fee of $1,750. Once a nanny has been placed with you in this permanent placement, you are free to use the nanny's services for as long as you and the nanny choose to remain in a working relationship. All fees are non-refundable, however there is a 3 month Placement Guarantee (please see guarantee information).
Plan B (Full-time Nanny Placement): Should you desire to hire a candidate that Hilton Head Nannies refers to you, but do not wish to pay the entire placement fee up front, Hilton Head Nannies does offer a payment plan. With Plan B, we request that you pay 30% of the placement fee up front, and then divide the remaining balance into 12 monthly payments. Once a nanny has been placed with you, you are free to use the nanny's services for as long as you and the nanny choose to remain in a working relationship. All fees are non-refundable, however the 3 month Placement Guarantee does apply.
Plan C (Full-time Nanny Placement): Plan C allows you to hire a nanny that we refer to you on a month-to-month basis. The monthly fee for this is $125.00 and this fee continues indefinitely for as long as you use this nanny. The fee paid each month is non-refundable and there is no Placement Guarantee with this plan.
Part-time Placement Options
Plan D (Part-time Nanny Placement): Should you hire a candidate that Hilton Head Nannies referred to you, there is a one-time placement fee of $1.000. Once a nanny has been placed with you in this permanent part-time placement, you are free to use the nanny's services part-time for as long as you and the nanny choose to remain in a working relationship. All fees are nonrefundable, however, a 3 month Placement Guarantee does apply.
Plan E (Part-time Nanny Placement): Should you desire to hire a candidate that Hilton Head Nannies refers to you, but do not wish to pay the entire placement fee up front, Hilton Head Nannies offers a payment plan. With Plan E, we request that you pay 30% of the placement fee up front, and then divide the remaining balance into 10 monthly payments. Once a nanny has been placed with you, you are free to use the nanny's services part time for as long as you and the nanny choose to remain in a working relationship. All fees are nonrefundable, however, a 3 month Placement Guarantee does apply.
Plan F (Part-time Nanny Placement): Plan F, for a part-time nanny placement, allows you to hire a nanny that we refer to you on a month-to-month basis. The monthly fee for this is $85.00 and this fee continues indefinitely for as long as you use this nanny. The fee paid each month is non-refundable and there is no Placement Guarantee.
What fees are charged by Hilton Head Nannies for Short-term Placements?
Short-term placements are made when you need a nanny for a period of 90 days or less. We have an application fee of $100.00. Should you hire a candidate that Hilton Head Nannies referred to you, there is a one-time placement fee of $400. Should you choose to retain the nanny's services for longer than 90 days, a new contract with HHN must be entered into.
Is there a Guarantee?
Yes! We are confident in our ability to match loving nannies with families who have similar interests, values, and goals. However, if the nanny was to leave or the family is unsatisfied for performance based reasons, we provide the following guarantee:
Within ninety days of the start date (for permanent, long-term placements), if the employment relationship is terminated, Hilton Head Nannies will utilize reasonable efforts to conduct a second search on behalf of the family without charge. The second search is only valid for the same scope of employment (salary range, hours, benefits, location, etc.) as the initial search. If your nanny should leave after sixty days up to 8 months, we will assist you in finding a replacement nanny. We will prorate your fee for the balance of your replacement nanny's year.
Within five days of the start date (for temporary placements), if the employment relationship is terminated, Hilton Head Nannies will utilize reasonable efforts to conduct a second search on behalf of the family without charge. The second search is only valid for the same scope of employment (salary range, hours, benefits, location, etc.) as the initial search. If your nanny should leave after sixty days up to 8 months, we will assist you in finding a replacement nanny. We will prorate your fee for the balance of your replacement nanny's year.
What are some of the benefits of working with Hilton Head Nannies?
Hilton Head Nannies is pleased to offer many incentives for choosing our agency. We offer:
o Automatic, complimentary registration for our Parent's Time Out Program for 12 months is included with all local clients who use us our Permanent Placement service. ($600/year value)
o Ninety-day guarantee on permanent placements
o Consultations on developing a job description and duties
o A detailed work agreement that can be customized to suit your needs
o Personalized service with your family at heart
o A detailed Nanny notebook that contains everything needed for effective communication between the nanny and family
o Educational and networking resources for nannies
o Ongoing support for both the family and the nanny - we are here to help! In fact, we are one of only a few agencies that make follow-up phone cal | 
